Prosthetic femoral stem for use in high offset hip replacement

ABSTRACT

A total hip femoral prosthesis provides a shortened neck and high porous coating level. Additionally, a means for strengthening the neck may be incorporated to increase stress transfer to the native bone. A method for reducing potential impingement that results from a high neck resection level includes cutting chamfered surfaces into the bone surrounding the proximal end of the implant. Instrumentation and methods of creating chamfered cuts are disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of:

U.S. Application No. 61/576,792, filed Dec. 16, 2011, entitled HIGH IMPACT FEMORAL HIP STEM, Attorney's docket no. CHO-02 PROV, which is pending.

The above referenced document is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to prostheses and methods for total hip joint replacement. Specifically, this disclosure relates to prostheses that allow for high offset hip joint replacement and to instrumentation and methods for preparing the calcar region of the proximal femur that results in greater bone preservation. A high impact stem design is described that may result in greater bone preservation of the calcar region of the proximal femur, which results in better load sharing and greater overall capability. To ensure that the increase in bone preservation does not result in the limitation of the resulting range of motion, additional instrumentation and techniques are presented that allow the surgeon to create chamfer cuts on the calcar to minimize the potential for impingement.

Total hip replacement procedures seek to replace a hip joint that has deteriorated in its functionality, range of motion, weight bearing and most, if not all, other performance and lifestyle attributes. This degeneration is commonly found in patients that suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis). Total hip replacement typically involves amputation of the femoral head, neck and a portion of the top of the femur in order to replace these structures with prosthetic components.

Individual skeletal development and postures vary from person to person. This is in part due to the three dimensional orientation of the hip socket relative to the proximal femur. The distance between the center of rotation of the femoral head and a reliable anatomical landmark, such as the lesser trochanter, may be described as the vertical offset of the head center from the lesser trochanter. This distance may be measured parallel to the femoral shaft axis, and is relevant to postoperative leg length. In the anterior-posterior view (AP view), the distance between the head center and the shaft axis may be described as the lateral offset of the shaft axis from the head center, or as the medial offset of the head center from the shaft axis. It is often referred to simply as “offset.” Lateral offset may be relevant to postoperative hip abductor function. Lateral offset is independent of the neck-shaft angle. However, lateral offset may be expressed in terms of the neck-shaft angle and the neck length, which is the distance along the neck axis between the head center and the shaft axis or some other reliable landmark. The neck-shaft angle varies through a range of angles, approximately 127-140 degrees for most people. The neck length varies as well. In the lateral view, the distance between the head center and the shaft axis may be described as the anteversion offset of the head center from the shaft axis, or simply anteversion, if the head center is anteriorly displaced from the shaft axis, or as retroversion if the head center is posterior to the shaft axis. Anteversion or retroversion may be relevant to postoperative range of motion.

Developed by Sir John Charnley in the 1960s, the original Charnley total hip arthoplasty was a stainless steel femoral prosthesis with a small collar, a rectangular cross section and a 22-mm femoral head. Subsequent designs evolved to include different head sizes (22, 25, 25.4 28, 32 and 35 mm), different femoral component lengths (ranging from 110 mm to 160 mm for standard prostheses), different cross sections (square, round, oval, I-beam) and a porous coating for bone ingrowth attachment and metal backing for the acetabulum (cemented or porous coated).

The neck-shaft angle and/or neck length of a prosthesis can also be highly varied in order to replicate natural anatomy or correct deformity. If the neck-shaft angle and/or neck length of a prosthesis are set so that the lateral offset is comparable to an average lateral offset value for intact normal femora, then this prosthesis may be said to have a conventional or standard offset. However, if the neck-shaft angle and/or neck length are set so that the lateral offset is relatively large, this is referred to as a high offset prosthesis. For example, the neck-shaft angle and/or neck length may be set so that the lateral offset is at least 10 mm greater than the average lateral offset value.

Any of the relevant dimensions of a prosthesis may be set so that they are comparable to an average value for intact normal femora. These dimensions may be said to be conventional dimensions. Likewise, any of the relevant dimensions may be set incrementally greater than the corresponding average value, in which case the prosthetic dimensions may be said to be augmented. It follows that smaller than average dimensions may also be selected.

A surgeon will typically measure both hip joints, including the neck-shaft angles, vertical offset, lateral offset, and leg length, prior to performing a total hip replacement procedure. These measurements allow the surgeon to match the replacement joint as closely as possible to the angles and dimensions of the original hip joint in order to achieve satisfactory range of motion, leg length, soft tissue tension, and stability. These measurements may also allow the surgeon to correct deformity or other conditions in and around the operated joint by matching the replacement joint to the contralateral hip joint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various examples of the present technology will now be discussed with reference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical examples of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a natural proximal femur, with dashed lines indicating anatomical variants with progressively larger lateral offsets;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a prior art total hip femoral prosthesis, with dashed lines indicating a variant having a much larger lateral offset and a slightly larger vertical offset;

FIG. 3 is a front view of another prior art total hip femoral prosthesis, with a cross-hatched area indicating a variant having a ninety degree neck angle, both prostheses having identical lateral and vertical offsets;

FIG. 4 is a front view of yet another prior art total hip femoral prosthesis, with a cross-hatched area indicating a variant having the same lateral offset and a larger vertical offset;

FIG. 5A is a front view of yet another prior art total hip femoral prosthesis, with a stem component, a conventional length neck, and a head component; and FIG. 5B is a front view of the stem and head of FIG. 5A with a longer neck component;

FIG. 6 is a cross section of a prosthetic hip stem with a shortened neck, high resection level inserted and high porous coating level into a femur;

FIG. 7 is a cross section of a proximal femur with inserted hip stem with a traditional porous coating level;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a proximal hip stem with a means for shortening the neck;

FIG. 9A is a side view of a proximal hip stem with a means for shortening the neck; and FIG. 9B cross section of the superior surface of the proximal hip stem with a means for shortening the neck;

FIG. 10A is side view of a hip stem with two different possible offsets; FIG. 10B is a table describing the geometric relationship between the diameter of the stem portion and the lateral offset.

FIG. 11A is a cross section of a proximal femur that has been resected at the head neck junction; FIG. 11B is a top view of a proximal femur that has the IM canal opened using a box chisel; FIG. 11C is a cross section of a femur with an implanted hip stem; FIG. 11D is a cross section of a femur that has been reamed; FIG. 11E is a cross section of a proximal femur that has been broached;

FIG. 12A is a cross section of a proximal femur with a traditional porous coating level; FIG. 12B is a cross section of a proximal femur with a high porous coating level;

FIG. 13A is a front view of a chamfered bone section with a high resection level;

FIG. 13B is a side view of a chamfered bone section with a high resection level; FIG. 13C is a front view of a chamfered bone section with a lower resection level; FIG. 13D is a side view of a chamfered bone section with a lower resection level;

FIG. 14A is a proximal femur with a horse-shoe shaped cutout; FIG. 14B is a proximal femur with a horse-shoe shaped cutout and an chamfered anterior edge; FIG. 14C is a top view of the horse-shoe shaped cutout with a chamfered anterior edge; FIG. 14D is a proximal femur with a horse-shoe shaped cutout with a chamfered anterior and posterior edge; FIG. 14E is a top view of a proximal femur with a horse-shoe shaped cutout and chamfered anterior edge, with a hip stem and acetabular cup inserted; FIG. 14 F is a top view of a rotated proximal femur with a horse-shoe shaped cutout and chamfered anterior edge, with a hip stem and acetabular cup inserted;

FIG. 15A is a side view of a broach; FIG. 15B is a side view of a planar reamer and a broach; FIG. 15C is a side view of a planar reamer engaged with a broach;

FIG. 16A is a side view of a broach with a beveled edge; FIG. 16B is a top view of a broach with a beveled edge inserted into a proximal femur cutout with a beveled anterior edge;

FIG. 17A is a front view of a hip stem with a modular head inserted into a femur;

FIG. 17B is a front view of a hip stem with a modular head inserted into a rotated femur, where there is impingement;

FIG. 18A is a top perspective view of a broach inserted into a proximal femur; FIG. 18B is a top perspective view of a chamfer cutting guide attached to a broach inserted into a proximal femur;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of a chamfer cutting guide;

FIG. 20 is a bottom perspective view of a chamfer cutting guide;

FIG. 21 is a front view of a chamfer cutting guide;

FIG. 22A is a top view of a chamfer cutting guide attached to a broach inserted into a femur and a chamfered bone surface; and

FIG. 22B is a top perspective view of a chamfer cutting guide attached to a broach inserted into a femur and a chamfered bone surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure sets forth a prosthetic high offset, high impact femoral hip stem including shortened neck and a means for strengthening the neck. Additionally, the present disclosure sets for a means for reducing potential infringement with the prosthetic hip stem, and maintaining the patient's natural range of motion.

In this specification, standard medical directional terms are employed with the ordinary and customary meanings. Superior means toward the head. Inferior means away from the head. Anterior means toward the front. Posterior means toward the back. Medial means toward the midline, of plane of bilateral symmetry, of the body. Lateral means away from the midline of the body. Proximal means toward the trunk of the body. Distal means away from the trunk. Additionally, standard hip anatomical terms are employed with their ordinary and customary meanings.

Referring to FIG. 1, an intact natural femur 110 is shown in solid lines in a front view, which may also be described as an anterior-posterior (AP) view. The femur 110 has a proximal end 100 which includes a shaft 102, a neck 104 and a head 106. The shaft 102 has a center longitudinal axis 112. The neck 104 has a center longitudinal axis 124 which is oblique to the shaft axis. The head 106 may be approximately spherical. The head has a center point 114, or center of rotation center 114 is spaced apart from the shaft axis 112 by a lateral offset distance 130, which is an average lateral offset value, otherwise known as a conventional offset or standard offset.

Lateral offset 130 may be approximately 39.8 mm to 54.2 mm, based on the work of Rubin, et al. as published in 1992 in the British Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS BR), volume 74B, pages 28-32, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Alternately, lateral offset 130 may be 36.2 mm to 49.8 mm, based on the work of Noble, et al. as published in 1988 in Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research (CORR), Number 235, pages 148-165, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIG. 1 also illustrates an anatomical variant of femur 110, which has another approximately spherical femoral head 116 with a center point 118. The center 118, which may lie on the neck axis 124, is spaced apart from the shaft axis 112 by a second lateral offset distance 132 which is greater than lateral offset 130. This distance has been exaggerated in FIG. 1 for clarity. This variant may be said to have a high lateral offset. The center 118 may also have a greater vertical offset than center 114 from any reliable anatomical landmark on femur 110, and may thus be offset from the neck axis 124. It can be appreciated that the neck 104 in this variant is naturally long enough to reach from the shaft 102 to the head 116.

FIG. 1 also illustrates another anatomical variant of femur 110, which has yet another approximately spherical femoral head 120 with a center 122. The center 122, which is shown lying on neck axis 124, is spaced apart from the shaft axis 112 by a third lateral offset distance 134 which is greater than the second lateral offset 132. This distance has also been exaggerated in FIG. 1 for clarity. This variant may be said to have a high offset. More specifically, the offset may be characterized as an extra-high offset. The center 122 may also have a greater vertical offset than center 118 from any reliable anatomical landmark on femur 110. It can be appreciated that the neck 104 in this variant is naturally long enough to reach from the shaft 102 to the head 120.

Rubin (JBJS BR 1992) reports offsets up to 62.8 mm. Offsets up to 68.6 mm may be predicted from Rubin's mean of 47.0 mm plus three standard deviations of 7.2 mm. Noble (CORR 1988) reports offsets up to 61.0 mm. Offsets up to 63.4 mm may be predicted from Noble's mean of 43.0 mm plus three standard deviations of 6.8 mm.

Referring to FIG. 2, a prior art total hip femoral prosthesis 200 is shown implanted in the proximal end 100 of femur 110. Modular femoral prosthesis 200 includes a stem component 206, a neck component 208, and a head component 210. The neck 208 and head 210 and stem 206 are secured together. The stem 206 is shown within a prepared canal in the femoral shaft 102. A femoral neck osteotomy has been performed, removing the neck 104, head 106, and a portion of the proximal end 100, leaving an angled resection surface 108. The stem 206 has a center longitudinal axis 214 which may align with the shaft axis 112 when the stem is implanted in the shaft 102. The neck 208 has a center longitudinal axis 216 which may be oblique to the stem axis 214. The head 210 is spherical and has a center point 212 which lies on the neck axis 216. The center 212 is spaced apart from the stem axis 214 by a lateral offset distance 240, which is a conventional lateral offset.

FIG. 2 also illustrates another prior art total hip femoral prosthesis 220, which includes the stem 206, another neck component 222, and another head component 224. The neck 222 has a center longitudinal axis 230 which may be oblique to the stem axis 214. The head 224 is spherical and has a center point 226 which lies on the neck axis 230. The center 226 is spaced apart from the stem axis 214 by a lateral offset distance 242 which is greater than lateral offset 240. Lateral offset 242 may be called a high offset compared to lateral offset 240. The center 226 may also have a greater vertical offset than center 212 from any reliable anatomical landmark on femur 110. Neck 222 is approximately 38 mm long measured from base to end along the neck axis 230.

It can be appreciated that high offset neck 222 is longer than conventional neck 208. Therefore, neck 222 may experience higher stresses than neck 208 during use. Neck 222 may bend, crack, or break due to high service stresses and/or accidental overload from trips, slips, falls, or other trauma, particularly over years in vivo. Neck 222 may be expected to fail in or near the indicated region 228. Failure of the neck 222 will require corrective surgery to replace at least the broken neck, with attendant rehabilitation and risks of significant complications.

Referring to FIG. 3, a prior art total hip femoral prosthesis 302 is shown implanted in the proximal end 100 of femur 110. Modular femoral prosthesis 302 includes a stem component 304, a neck component 306, and a head component 308. The neck 306 and head 308 and stem 304 are secured together. The stem 304 is shown within a prepared canal in the femoral shaft 102. The femoral shaft 102 has been prepared as set forth above. The stem 304 has a center longitudinal axis 310 which may align with the shaft axis 112 when the stem is implanted in the shaft 102. The neck 306 has a center longitudinal axis 314 which may be oblique to the stem axis 310. The head 308 is spherical and has a center point 312. The center 312 is spaced apart from the stem axis 310 by a lateral offset distance 340.

FIG. 3 also illustrates another prior art total hip femoral prosthesis 320, which includes a longer stem component 322, a horizontal neck component 324 and another head component 326. The stem 322 is aligned with stem axis 310. The neck 324 has a center longitudinal axis 328 which may be perpendicular to the stem axis 310, or nearly so. The head 326 is in the same position as head 308. Therefore, head 326 has the same lateral offset 340 and vertical offset as head 308.

It can be appreciated that neck 324 may be shorter than neck 306, however, stem 322 and neck 324 protrude proximally from femur 110 more than stem 304 and neck 306 do. Therefore, stem 322 and neck 324 may hinder abduction by impinging surrounding anatomical structures, such as the lateral pelvis.

Referring to FIG. 4, a prior art total hip femoral prosthesis 402 is shown implanted in the proximal end 100 of femur 110. Modular femoral prosthesis 402 includes a stem component 403, a neck component 404, and a head component 406. The neck 404 and head 406 and stem 403 are secured together. The stem 403 is shown within a prepared canal in the femoral shaft 102. The femoral shaft 102 has been prepared as set forth above. The stem 403 has a center longitudinal axis 410 which may align with the shaft axis 112 when the stem is implanted in the shaft 102. The stem 403 has a placement slot 408 for a stem inserter instrument (not shown), a tool used for driving the stem into the prepared canal within the femur. The neck 404 has a center longitudinal axis 414 which may be oblique to the stem axis 410. The head 406 is spherical and has a center point 412. The center 412 is spaced apart from the stem axis 410 by a lateral offset distance 440.

FIG. 4 also illustrates another prior art total hip femoral prosthesis 422, which includes another stem component 424, another neck component 426, and another head component 428. The stem 424 is aligned with stem axis 410. The neck 426 has a center longitudinal axis 432 which may be oblique to the stem axis 410. The head 428 is spherical and has a center point 430. The center 430 is spaced apart from the stem axis 410 by lateral offset distance 440. It can be appreciated that center 430 is farther than center 412 from any landmark on femur 110 in a direction parallel to axis 410. Prosthesis 422 may be said to have a high vertical offset compared to prosthesis 402.

Referring to FIG. 5A, a prior art modular total hip femoral prosthesis 500 includes a stem component 502, a neck component 506, and a head component 508. The neck 506 and head 508 and stem 502 are secured together. The stem 502 has a center longitudinal axis 512 which may align with the shaft axis 112 when the stem is implanted in the shaft 102. The stem 502 also has a pocket 504 which receives a distal portion of the neck 506 when the prosthesis 500 is assembled. The neck 506 has a center longitudinal axis 516 which may be oblique to the stem axis 512. A distal center of rotation 510 may be defined on the neck axis 516 in the distal portion of the neck 506. The distal center of rotation 510 may be in the pocket 504 when the neck 506 is secured to the stem 502. The head 508 is spherical and has a center point 514. The center 514 may coincide with the neck axis 516 in a proximal portion of the neck 506 when the head 508 is secured to the neck 506, thus the center 514 may also be referred to as a proximal center of rotation of the neck. The center 514 is spaced apart from the distal center 510 by a medial-lateral distance 518 and a distance 520 along the neck axis 516. Medial-lateral distance 518 is approximately 20 mm to 50 mm. Distance 520 is approximately 20 mm to 30 mm.

Referring to FIG. 5B, a prior art high offset modular total hip femoral prosthesis includes stem 502 and head 508 with a longer modular neck component 550. The neck 550 has a center longitudinal axis 552 which may be oblique to the stem axis 512. The center of head 508 in this arrangement is at point 554. The center 554 is spaced apart from the distal center 510 by a medial-lateral distance 522 and a distance 524 along the neck axis 552. Distance 524 is greater than distance 520. Medial-lateral distance 522 is greater than medial-lateral distance 518 by the increment 526. Increment 526 is approximately 10 mm to 20 mm. Therefore, medial-lateral distance 522 is approximately 30 mm to 70 mm. Distance 524 is approximately 30 mm to 40 mm. Disadvantageously, the increase in lateral offset places significantly greater stress and strain on the longer modular neck 550, as described for neck 222.

Having described various commercially available styles of total hip prosthesis, the following description relates to examples of a total hip prosthesis that includes a shortened neck and high porous coating allowing for a higher neck resection. Another example includes a means for strengthening the neck. Additionally, the following description provides a method for preparing the calcar region such that potential impingement is reduced, allowing the patient to maintain a normal range of motion.

Referring to FIG. 6, an example of a prosthetic femoral hip stem 600 with a shortened neck and high porous coating is shown implanted into a proximal femur. Femoral hip stem 600 may include features similar to those described in FIGS. 1-5, including a conventional lateral offset 601, a standard stem length and a standard proximal body design. The stem component 602 is shown to extend into the intramedullary canal. Femoral hip stem includes a head connection feature 606 shaped to receive a modular femoral head. Head connection feature 606 may include a center point 605. Additionally, femoral hip stem 600 may include a shortened neck 604, allowing for a higher neck resection. The neck 604 may be medialized in this example. Portions of the stem 602, neck 604 and head connection feature 606 may be fabricated from different materials according to the requirements of each portion.

Femoral hip stem 600 may also include a superior surface 620 that extends along a transverse plane that is proximal to the stem 602, and may intersect a lateral portion of stem 602 and neck 604. In other words, superior surface 620 may blend the superior portions of the stem 602 and a base portion of the neck 604 together. The superior surface may by smooth and planar, or may include surface texture elements such as roughening, and may also be contoured.

The shortened neck 604 may be fabricated with a substrate of one material, and include an exterior coating 608 of another material. The coating 608 may be porous to enhance bone ingrowth around the neck 604. The shortened neck 604 may allow for a high level of porous coating 608, wherein at least a portion of a proximal boundary 610 of the high porous coating 608 may extend from a proximal portion of the stem 602 along a plane parallel to the superior surface 620. Bone ingrowth onto the shortened neck may facilitate load sharing with the shortened neck, allowing for a high impact application. The proximal boundary 610 of the high porous coating 608 may then extend distally at an angle across a base portion of the neck 604. The angled portion of the proximal boundary 610 may be located at a first distance 612 from the center point 605 of the head connecting feature 606.

The lateral extent of shortened neck 604 may be defined as the lateral distance between the resection level on the stem, or the porous coating level on the stem, and the center of the head connecting feature 606, or the center of an actual head, if present. More specifically, the lateral extent may be defined as the lateral distance between the intersection of the neck axis and the resection or porous coating level, and the center of the head connecting feature 606, or head. The lateral extent of the shortened neck 604 may be a percentage of the total lateral offset distance described previously, for example with reference to FIG. 1. The lateral extent may be about 50% of the lateral offset, or it may be smaller, such as 40%, 30% or 20% of the total medial offset. For example, if the total lateral offset is 45 mm, the lateral extent may be defined as 30% of the total lateral offset, or 15 mm. It can be appreciated that a smaller lateral extent correlates with a shorter neck, as measured along the neck axis.

Comparatively, a femoral hip stem that is similar to hip stem 600, but with a longer neck and a traditional porous coating level is shown in FIG. 7. The traditional porous coating has a proximal boundary is located a second distance 614 from the center point 605 of head connecting feature 606, wherein the second distance 614 is larger than the first distance 612 shown in FIG. 6.

By shortening the neck 604 and including a high porous coating 608, as shown in FIG. 6, the amount of unsupported neck length may be reduced and the moment arm length may be decreased, as a high porous coating may enhance bony ingrowth closer to the head portion 606, thus reducing the stress put on the neck 606 by increasing the amount of load that can be shared with native bone. This may further allow for a larger femoral head to be received by the head connection feature 606, while not significantly reducing the range of motion. The high impact hip stem described in FIGS. 6-10 is optimized for larger diameter heads (such as >36 mm).

Another example of a high impact femoral hip stem 600 may include a means for strengthening the neck. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a proximal portion of femoral hip stem 600 is shown. It can be appreciated that stem 600 may include additional material deposited on the superior surface 620, relative to earlier designs, to create a rounded superior surface 622 that serves as a means for strengthening the neck. The addition of material to the superior surface to create a means for strengthening the neck may include material that is the same as the material used to fabricate the neck and stem portions, or may be a different material. FIG. 9 provides a cross section of the rounded superior surface 622, where additional material is present on the superior surface 620. Alternatively, the additional material may create a proximally elevated cross-section that is polygonal, rectangular or otherwise irregularly shaped.

The rounded superior surface 622 may serve to maintain a constant distance between the intended femoral head center location and the intersection of the lateral neck and the stem superior surface. This “effective neck length” 624 may remain approximately constant as the size of the overall implant is varied (stem diameter and offset). The additional material 620 may thus provide a constant, effective neck length 624, which is defined as the length between the intersection of the neck 604 and the additional material 620 and a center point of the head component 606. The porous coating 608 may also extend over the rounded superior surface 622.

The designs herein, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 8-9, may be well adapted for prosthetic femoral heads larger than 22 mm, preferably larger than 32 mm, and preferably larger than 36 mm. Larger prosthetic heads may provide relatively greater range of motion than do smaller heads. The increased range of motion may be enjoyed on its own merits, or it may influence other choices in the overall design of a large-head total hip arthroplasty system. For example, instead of providing an actual increase in range of motion in the large-head system, the neck diameter or width may be augmented to improve its strength, a higher neck resection may be used, and/or a thinner acetabular component may be provided. A higher neck resection may permit the design to incorporate a higher level of porous coating, a shorter neck, and/or a medialized neck. While these choices may result in a large-head system whose range of motion is comparable to that of a small-head system, they may also result in a system whose strength and load transfer characteristics are better adapted for high demand patients.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, an additional example of the high impact femoral hip stem may combine the shortened neck length 604 described in FIG. 6 with the rounded superior surface 622 described in FIGS. 8 and 9, as a means for strengthening the neck. By combining these features, the neck may be strengthened enough such that the maximum femoral offset available for a given stem diameter or size may be increased. Specifically, this may be advantageous for patients with small intramedullary canal anatomy and large lateral offsets. This femoral morphology may be referred to as a “champagne flute” morphology. Referring to FIG. 10A, two different possible offsets are illustrated—a high offset 642, which may have lateral offsets comparable to the high offset offerings of standard stem designs, and a high offset plus 640 design, which may have increased lateral offsets.

The table presented in FIG. 10B presents an example of a geometric relationship between the diameter of the stem portion 602 and the lateral offset. The leftmost column of the table lists various distal stem diameters. The rightmost two columns present lateral offset values for the two designs. The rightmost column illustrates a 5 mm increase in lateral offset, although other increments are contemplated. For example, the high offset plus design may incorporate lateral offsets which are greater than one or two standard deviations above an average lateral offset for a patient population. Lateral offsets which are greater than three or more standard deviations above the average are also contemplated.

Any of the stem components set forth herein may be fabricated from biocompatible materials. Examples of biocompatible materials include, but are not limited to, metals such as stainless steels, titanium and its alloys, cobalt-chrome-molybdenum alloys, and other chromium alloys; polymers such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyaryletherketone (PAEK); ceramics such as alumina and zirconia; and composites such as carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin. Portions of a stem component may be fabricated from different materials according to the requirements of each portion. A stem component may be fabricated with a distal portion of one material and a proximal portion of another material. A stem component may be fabricated with a substrate of one material and a coating of another material. The material or materials may be solid (i.e., non-porous) or porous. The surface of a stem component may be smooth or rough on a micro- or macroscopic level. A stem component may be fabricated by casting, forging, machining, or a combination of methods. Castings may be applied by thermal, chemical, electrical, or comparable means. For example, coatings may be sintered, sputtered, vapor deposited, ion implanted, electroplated, and the like.

Any of the neck components set forth herein may be fabricated as described above for the stem components. Neck components may be preferably fabricated with materials, surface treatments, and methods of fabrication which enhance strength, or minimize unavoidable reductions in strength.

FIGS. 11A-11E illustrate steps in a method for preparing and inserting the high impact hip stem with a high final resection level. An osteotomy may be performed by removing the head to create a prepared resection surface at or near the head-neck junction as illustrated in FIG. 11A. The intramedullary (IM) canal may then be opened, using a box chisel or other comparable surgical instrument as shown in FIG. 11B.

Once the IM canal has been opened, as shown in FIG. 11C the surgeon may then ream the distal IM canal and broach the proximal IM canal and proximal metaphysis, as illustrated in FIGS. 11D and 11E. Next, the neck resection may be completed using the broach as the resection guide for a planar reamer or saw, FIG. 11E.

FIGS. 12A and 12B provide a comparison between a traditional resection level (FIG. 12A) and the final resection level according to the technique described in FIGS. 11A-11E. The final resection level (FIG. 12B) is higher on the femoral neck than traditional resectioning techniques, resulting in greater load sharing with native bone

The high impact stem design described in FIGS. 6-10 may use the surgical technique described in FIGS. 11A-11E for greater bone preservation of the calcar region of the proximal femur during total hip arthroplasty, and thus enhanced load sharing. However, the increase in bone preservation potentially limits the patient's range of motion due to impingement.

Previous designs utilize a lower femoral neck cut and alter the implant neck geometry, including the incorporation of neck flats, to provide relief against acetabular component impingement when using smaller head sizes. When using larger head sizes, this same geometry alteration can be made in the surrounding bone, for example, by using chamfer cuts, relief, rounding, edge break, or other modifications in the zone of potential impingement. Chamfer cuts or other cuts made in the surrounding bone may provide relief where impingement will occur against the acetabular component. This may allow for a thicker implant neck geometry to be used, since impingement relief is addressed in the bone and not the implant. Any method can be used to alter the bony geometry to this effect, including removing portions of bone to reveal chamfered, planar surfaces. Some proximal bone may be retained for load sharing in a high impact application, such as a bony “shelf” to help transfer load from the neck portion of an inserted hip stem. Alternative bone surface geometries may include a rounded surface, an L-shaped cut-out or otherwise contoured surface resection geometry.

FIGS. 13A and 13 B illustrate an example of a chamfered bone section that may be used in conjunction with the high impact hip stem that has previously been described. The chamfered bone surfaces shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B may maintain a high level of calcar bone, while allowing for a typical range of motion. FIGS. 13C and 13D illustrate another example of a chamfered bone, in which the resection surface is more angulated, while still retaining a high level of calcar bone, and also allow for a typical range of motion.

FIGS. 14A-22 illustrate instruments and methods that may be used for creating the chamfered surfaces to reduce impingement and allowing for a hip stem with a strengthened neck. FIGS. 14A-14F illustrate additional steps to further prepare the anterior calcar chamber to increase range of motion and to prevent possible impingement of the prosthetic components and/or host bone. FIG. 14A illustrates a proximal femur that may have been prepared according to the technique of FIGS. 11A-11E. A portion of the femoral head has been removed to reveal a horse-shoe shaped cavity 650 that may allow for access to the IM canal. The depth and width of the cavity may be variable, according to the patient's anatomy. Alternatively, the cavity may be rectangular or irregularly shaped. In FIG. 14B, the proximal femur has been further prepared by introducing a beveled or chamfered anterior edge 652 to the horse-shoe shaped cavity 650. FIG. 14C provides a top view of the horse-shoe shaped cavity 650, which may include a first, non-beveled posterior edge 654 and a beveled anterior edge 652. Alternatively, both the anterior and posterior edge may be beveled. In this case, the posterior and inferior bone stock may be preserved for maximal stress transfer, as illustrated in FIG. 14D. When the anterior edge is beveled, the range of motion may be enhanced, as shown in FIGS. 14E and 14F. Referring to FIGS. 14E-14F, a top view of a proximal hip stem inserted into a femur through the horse-shaped cavity 650 is shown, with the head connecting component 606 connected to a modular head 665, which is received by an acetabular cup 666. The implanted hip stem may be the hip stem 600 described in previous examples. FIG. 14E illustrates the hip stem 600 and connected modular head 665 in a neutral, non-rotated position. FIG. 14F illustrates the hip stem 600 and connected modular head 665 rotated such that the anterior, beveled edge 452 of the horse-shoe shaped cavity 450 comes into contact with the acetabular cup 666. It can be seen that the beveled edge 652 reduces the potential for impingement by allowing the proximal femur and to rotate further before contacting the anterior edge of the acetabular cup 666.

Referring to FIGS. 15A-15C, a beveled anterior edge 652 may be prepared by using a planar reamer 670, sometimes referred to as a calcar planer or calcar reamer, on a post 672 engaged with a broach 674. FIG. 15A shows a broach 674. The broach includes an oblique proximal hole 676 which is perpendicular to the desired angle of the beveled anterior edge 652. With the broach 674 fitted into the proximal femur, the post 672 is inserted into the hole 676 to align the reamer 670 with the hole. As the reamer 670 rotates, as indicated by motion arrows 677 and advances, it cuts away the proximal anterior edge to form the bevel 652. The reamer 670 may include a central cavity sized and shaped to receive a proximal anterior corner or shoulder of the broach without interference while the reamer is spinning.

The broach may include only one hole, in which case separate right and left broaches may be provided. The broach may also include two holes so that a single broach is suitable for right and left femurs.

Another example of a calcar reamer may include a central aperture shaped to receive a proximal portion of a broach that has been inserted into a proximal femur. The structure and method of use of the calcar reamer may be similar to the reamer shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, although the calcar reamer may include at least one chamfered cutting surface, such that as the reamer is rotated, the chamfered cutting edge acts in a saw-like capacity to create a complimentary chamfered bone surface on one or both sides of the broach. These instruments may include a variety of cutting edge geometries to create differently shaped bone resections. Alternatively, a resection may be done free-handed to remove bone portions surrounding the hip stem and reduce potential infringement.

FIGS. 16A-16B illustrate another arrangement for preparing the beveled anterior edge 652 by using a saw guided by a beveled edge 678 of a broach 674. In this example, the proximal anterior corner of the broach carries a beveled portion 678 which establishes the desired resection plane for the beveled anterior edge 652. With the broach 676 fitted into the proximal femur, the saw is aligned with and moved along the beveled portion 678. As the actuated saw advances, it cuts away the proximal anterior edge to form the bevel 652.

The broach may include one or two beveled portions 678.

FIGS. 17-22 illustrate another example of an instrument and method that may be used for preparing the proximal femur during total hip arthroplasty to minimize the potential for impingement and maintain the patient's natural range of motion. FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate a prosthetic femoral hip stem connected to a modular head inserted into a femur. The hip stem may be the high impact hip stem 600 described previously in this application. Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, no chamfer resection cuts have been performed after the hip stem 600 was inserted into the femur. The connected modular head portion can be seen to interface with an acetabular component such as a bone cup. It can be seen in FIG. 17B that without chamfer resection cuts, there may be posterior impingement 681 of the joint at the bone-acetabular cup interface, thus limiting the patient's range of motion.

FIGS. 18-22 illustrate a chamfer cutting guide 700 that may be fitted or otherwise attached to the proximal portion of a broach 674 that has been inserted into the proximal femur, and may be used to create chamfered edges in the native femur that reduce impingement of the prosthetic head against the anterior and posterior portions of the natural femur.

Referring to FIG. 18A, a broach 674 is shown inserted into the proximal femur. The broach 674 may be inserted into the proximal femur using a method similar or identical to the process described previously in this application. FIG. 18B illustrates a chamfer-cutting guide 700 that may be attached to a proximal portion of the broach 674.

FIG. 19 provides a perspective view of chamfer cutting guide 700, which may include a first portion 710, which may be referred to as an engagement portion and a second portion 750, which may be referred to as a guide portion. The engagement portion 710 may act to secure chamfer cutting guide 700 to a broach 674 or other anchor feature in bone, and may include a proximal surface 712, and a distal bone contacting portion 714 opposite the proximal surface. The proximal surface 712 may extend between a rounded edge 716 and a guide portion interface 718.

The distal bone-contacting 714 portion, as illustrated in FIG. 20, may have a step-like configuration, and include a first step 720, a second step 722 that is offset distally from the first step 720 and a third step 724 that is offset distally from the second step 722. The number of steps may be variable, and the orientation of the steps may be varied to accommodate various patient anatomies. The distal bone contacting surface 714 may also include various alternative configurations shaped to interface with the bone portion surrounding the inserted broach, specifically, the bone-contacting portion may interface with the bone on the interior portion of the U-shaped canal described in FIGS. 14A and 14B. Alternative configurations may include a as flat, sloped, or otherwise contoured surface to match the surface geometry of the patient's bone.

The steps 720, 722, 724 may contact the bone around a broach 674 and help to keep the chamfer-cutting guide 700 from moving rotationally during cutting.

The surface of the first step 720 on the distal bone-contacting portion 714 may include at least one aperture 726, and in this case, includes two relatively small and substantially circular apertures. The apertures 726 may extend entirely through the engagement portion 710 and intersect the proximal surface 712. In operation, once the chamfer cutting guide 700 has been attached to a broach, additional fixation features, such as pins may be inserted into the apertures 726 to further secure the cutting guide 700 during a cutting procedure.

The first step 472 and second step 724 may be connected by a first vertical surface 728, which may intersect the first step 720 at a rounded concave corner 730. The corner may otherwise by sharp, beveled, coved or eased. The second step 724 may include at least one larger aperture 732, as shown best in FIG. 20. The larger aperture 732 shaped to receive a proximal portion of a broach. The aperture 732 may extend entirely through the engagement portion 710 to intersect the proximal surface 712. When the chamfer-cutting guide 700 is attached to the broach 674, a central axis of the aperture 732 may align with the axis of the femoral neck.

The engagement portion 710 may include additional apertures or connecting features to secure the chamfer-cutting guide 700 during use.

The second step 722 and third step 724 may be connected by a second vertical surface 734. The third step 726 may intersect the second vertical surface 734 and extend to where it intersects a third vertical surface 736 that is opposite the second vertical surface 734. The third vertical surface 736 may connect to a second rounded corner 738, where it intersects a distal surface 752 of the guide portion 750.

A bottom perspective view of chamfer cutting guide 700 is shown in FIG. 20. The guide portion 750 may be substantially elongated and generally rectangular in shape. The guide portion 750 may include a distal surface 752 that is substantially rectangular. The distal surface 752 may extend between the engagement portion 710 and a flat end portion 714. A cross-section of guide portion 750 is illustrated in FIG. 21. The cross section of guide portion 750 is shown to be generally triangular and contains a central body 754 that may be an equilateral triangle, and two appendages 756, 758 that sit superior and have interior edges 766, 768 that are parallel to the edges of the triangular body 754. The space between the appendages 756, 758 and the edges of the triangular body 754 make up channels or slots 760, 762 that act as cutting guides to establish a predetermined cutting trajectory for a traditional surgical saw or other surgical cutting instrument. The two cutting guides 760, 762 may act as an anterior slot and a posterior slot for creating the desired resulting bone resection on both anterior and posterior sides of the proximal femur. The two slots 760, 762 may intersect at a proximal primary channel 764 that extends along the length (of the z-axis) of the central body 754, as illustrated in FIG. 22A.

The appendages 756, 758 may have exterior surfaces 770, 772 that serve as secondary cutting guides that allow for greater surgeon flexibility. The flat exterior surfaces 770, 772 create additional guiding interface that a powered saw can rest on while creating additional bone resection.

Referring to FIGS. 22A-22B a proximal femur is shown with an attached chamfer cutting guide 700 after anterior and posterior resections that were performed using the cutting guide 700. The resultant geometry post-resection creates flat surfaces 787, 789 on anterior/posterior surfaces of the femur. This is similar in nature to the design of a traditional hip stem that includes flat surfaces on the anterior/posterior sides of the neck to avoid impingement with the cup and liner.

The high impact femoral hip stem incorporates neck-strengthening adaptations, such as the shorter neck length and wider neck diameter, which improve the stem's ability to sustain dynamic loads in service. The stem also incorporates stress-transfer adaptations, such as a higher, medialized resection level and porous coating level, which improve the stem's ability to transfer stress to the calcar region of the femoral neck. The stem features a pronounced medial flare which also aids in stress transfer by increasing the projected area of the stem when viewed along the stem axis. Because the stem transfers more stress to the calcar region, the stress distribution in the remainder of the femur may better approximate that of the natural femur, thus preserving more bone substance over a longer period of time. 

1. A femoral hip prosthesis, comprising: a stem, wherein the stem comprises a center longitudinal axis and a proximal end; a neck, wherein the neck comprises a first length, a base and a head connecting feature, wherein the head connecting feature comprises a center point, wherein the first length comprises the distance between the base and the center point; a superior surface, wherein the superior surface extends between the proximal end of the stem and the base of the neck; and an exterior coating, wherein the exterior coating comprises a proximal boundary, at least a portion of the exterior coating is contained on the neck.
 2. The prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the superior surface extends along a transverse plane that intersects the proximal end of the stem and the base of the neck.
 3. The prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the exterior coating is porous.
 4. The prosthesis of claim 1, wherein a portion of the proximal boundary of the exterior coating extends at least partially across the neck.
 5. The prosthesis of claim 1, wherein the distance between the proximal boundary of the exterior coating and the head connecting feature on the neck comprises a second length.
 6. The prosthesis of claim 5, wherein the second length is less than the first length.
 7. The prosthesis of claim 2, wherein the porous coating facilitates enhanced biological growth.
 8. A femoral hip prosthesis for total hip arthroplasty, comprising: a stem, wherein the stem comprises a center longitudinal axis and a proximal end; a neck, wherein the neck comprises a base and a head connecting feature, wherein the head connecting feature comprises a center point, wherein the neck comprises a first length, wherein the first length is the distance between the base and the center point; a superior surface, wherein the superior surface extends between the proximal end of the stem and the base of the neck; and a means for strengthening the neck.
 9. The hip prosthesis of claim 8, wherein the superior surface extends along a transverse plane that intersects the proximal end of the stem and the base of the neck.
 10. The hip prosthesis of claim 8, wherein the means for strengthening the neck comprises additional material on the superior surface.
 11. The hip prosthesis of claim 10, wherein the means for strengthening the neck comprises a rounded portion.
 12. The hip prosthesis of claim 10, wherein the means for strengthening the neck intersects the base of the neck at a first portion.
 13. The hip prosthesis of claim 10, wherein the distance between the first portion and the center point of the head connecting feature comprises a second length.
 14. The hip prosthesis of claim 11, wherein the second length is smaller than the first length.
 15. A femoral prosthesis for total hip arthroplasty, comprising: a stem, wherein the stem comprises a center longitudinal axis and a proximal end; a neck, wherein the neck comprises a base, a head connecting feature and a first length, wherein the first length comprises the distance between the base and the center point of head connecting feature; a superior surface, wherein the superior surface extends along a transverse plane that intersects the proximal end of the stem and the base of the neck. an exterior coating, wherein at least a portion of the exterior coating is contained on the neck; and a means for strengthening the neck.
 16. The hip prosthesis of claim 15, wherein the exterior coating is porous.
 17. The hip prosthesis of claim 16, wherein the porous exterior coating comprises a material that enhances biological growth.
 18. The hip prosthesis of claim 15, wherein the means for strengthening the neck comprises additional material on the superior surface.
 19. The hip prosthesis of claim 15, wherein the means for strengthening the neck comprises a rounded portion.
 20. The hip prosthesis of claim 15, wherein the means for strengthening the neck intersects the base of the neck at a first portion.
 21. A system for total hip arthroplasty, the system comprising: a hip prosthesis, the prosthesis comprising a stem, a neck, a means for strengthening the neck and an exterior coating, wherein the stem comprises a longitudinal axis and a proximal portion, wherein the neck comprises a base and a head connecting feature, wherein the head connecting feature comprises a center point, wherein the means for strengthening the neck comprises additional material, wherein the additional material intersects a portion of the neck, wherein the exterior coating comprises a proximal boundary, wherein a portion of the proximal boundary extends across a portion of the neck; and an instrument for creating a chamfer cut in bone, wherein the instrument comprises a body, wherein the body comprises an engagement portion, wherein the engagement portion comprises a connecting feature, wherein the instrument comprises a cutting guide, wherein the cutting guide is coupled to the body.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein the connecting feature is shaped to engage an anchor that has been inserted into a bone.
 23. The system of claim 21, wherein the instrument comprises a cutting face.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the instrument is actuated by applying a torque force, wherein when the instrument is actuated, the cutting face engages the bone.
 25. The system of claim 24, wherein when the cutting face engages the bone, the cutting face cuts a chamfered surface in the bone.
 26. The system of claim 21, wherein the cutting guide extends laterally from the body.
 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the cutting guide comprises a first surface, wherein the first surface is shaped to guide a cutting instrument along a trajectory.
 28. The system of claim 27, wherein the first surface is shaped to guide a cutting instrument to cut a chamfered edge into the bone.
 29. The system of claim 21, wherein the hip prosthesis comprises a superior surface, wherein the superior surface extends across a transverse plane that intersects the base of the neck and proximal portion of the stem.
 30. The system of claim 29, wherein the additional material is placed onto the superior surface, wherein the means for strengthening the neck comprises a rounded portion. 